The Pros and Cons of Metal Residential Roofing

Written by: Tony Hall

If you’re currently in the market for a new residential roof for your home, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of any material. Metal roofing is presently one of the most popular choices, and for a good reason. That’s not to say there aren’t any downsides, though. Take a close look at the benefits and drawbacks of modern metal roofing, including steel and aluminum. Making an informed choice is the first step in any roofing job!

Pros

Metal roofing typically beats conventional materials. For instance:

Lifespan – Metal roofing enjoys an elongated lifespan. Most companies back their products for 20 to 50 years. Furthermore, metal is resistant to fire, mildew, and rot. The material may even withstand high winds, snowfall and water.

Weight – Being metal, you would think the material is quite hefty. That’s not always the case, though. Of course, heft is sometimes a bonus. Most metal roofing runs from 50 to 150 pounds per square, compared to tile at 750 pounds per square.

Installation – Overall, metal roofing offers easy and fast installation when compared to traditional materials, such as tile or asphalt. An experienced roofer can install the entire roof relatively quickly.

Cons

Metal roofing is excellent, but it’s not without its downfalls. The few drawbacks worth noting are:

Cost – Metal roofing has a high initial price. The material is typically equivalent to premium material – around $150 to $600 per square. However, metal roofing provides long-term durability, so you save money in the long-run.

Noise – For some, the noise of rain or a severe storm overhead drowns out everything else. The patter of metal can be obnoxious to some homeowners.

Denting – If significant hail strikes, metal is capable of denting. Aluminum and copper, both of which are softer than steel, are prone to denting.